‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Defends Liam Payne After Hate Tweets

One Direction star Liam Payne unintentionally ignited a Twitter storm when he offered his support to ‘Duck Dynasty’ star Willie Robertson, mere weeks after the anti-gay scandal that nearly took the show off the air. Now, Willie has responded to Liam and his haters — and it looks like the love between ‘Duck Dynasty’ and One Direction is mutual!

Willie Robertson Tweets Support To Liam Payne

On Jan. 19, Duck Dynasty‘s businessman Willie wrote to Liam, who had praised the Robertson family’s “family values” on Twitter, to express his support. Liam faced a perfect storm of controversy when fans and media responded negatively to Liam’s initial tweet — saying that it implied that Liam was anti-gay — but Willie encouraged Liam to “stay strong” amidst all the hate.

Liam Payne Comes Out As A ‘Duck Dynasty’ Fan

Liam Payne Talks Privacy

Liam’s initial tweet wasn’t controversial all on its own, but aligning with the Duck Dynasty clan comes with some baggage nowadays. The Robertson family stood behind its patriarch Phil after he said some pretty horrible things, so Liam faced a lot of hate when he tweeted his support. Not surprising, given the amount of gay and LGBT-friendly One Direction fans!

After the initial tweet, Liam wrote several more complaining about the hateful replies he was receiving, and defending his actions.

@williebosshog huge love to you/your family huge respect for your business prosperities and the family values you still all behold. big fan — Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) January 18, 2014

Being a fan of someones show and the way they still hold a family together doesnt mean i am ok with all they say. — Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) January 18, 2014

Look at this shit I never said any if that write about something real for once there’s plenty of issues In the world pic.twitter.com/FDsqtyr5Ht